our ranks are formed like those of the angels; all the earth has been appointed as a mosque for us; and our earth has been appointed for us as a means of cleansing when we do not find water.” Muslim transmitted it.
The Excellence of the Muslim Ummah
This hadith from Sahih Muslim highlights three distinctive honors bestowed upon the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him). The first honor is that our ranks in prayer are arranged like those of the angels who stand in rows before their Lord, perfectly aligned without gaps. This signifies the spiritual harmony and discipline that should characterize the Muslim congregation.
The Earth as a Mosque
The second honor establishes that the entire earth has been made a mosque (masjid) for Muslims. This means that prayer is permissible anywhere on earth, provided the place is pure. This facilitation demonstrates the universality of Islam and removes the restriction of specific locations for worship, unlike previous nations.
Tayammum: The Purification with Earth
The third honor is the concession of tayammum (dry ablution) using pure earth when water is unavailable or its use is harmful. This reflects the principle of ease in Islamic law, removing hardship from the believers. The earth, which normally defiles, becomes a means of purification, illustrating Allah's profound wisdom and mercy.
These three concessions collectively demonstrate the elevated status of this Ummah and the completeness of Allah's favor upon us through the Shariah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).